This summer, we are excited to partner with the Boston Public Library for Play Dates in June, July, and August!  Be inspired by visiting artists and authors during interactive Zoom workshops, and explore the rich world of storytelling. Dive deeper with downloadable activities designed by artists to do on your own time. Ready to visit the museum safely as a family? Explore the galleries with self-guided activities available on-site during Play Dates.

Virtual:

Virtual Workshop with author Angela Dominguez
Fri, Jul 30 | 10 – 11 AM EST on Zoom

Join us for a one-hour workshop with acclaimed children’s book author and illustrator Angela Dominguez. Angela will share a brief slideshow on how to illustrate and write a story, followed by a demonstration on how to draw a few characters.

Advanced registration required. Space is limited. Participants must supply their own materials.

Materials you’ll need: 

  • Paper 
  • Drawing materials  
  • Your imagination!  
  • Optional: a paper plate, scissors, and questions for Angela 

Registration is now closed

Author Bio 

A smiling woman with a cardigan and sunglasses over her head.

Angela Dominguez was born in Mexico City and grew up in the great state of Texas. She now resides on the east coast with her boyfriend, Kyle, and petite dog, Petunia.   

She is also the author and illustrator of several books for children and a two-time recipient of Pura Belpré Illustration Honor. Her debut middle grade novel, Stella Díaz Has Something To Say, was a New York Public Library and a Chicago Public Library pick for Best Books for Kids in 2018, Sid Fleischman Award winner, and an ALA Notable. When Angela is not in her studio or visiting schools, she teaches at the Academy of Art University, which honored her with their Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013.  

Angela is a proud member of SCBWI, PEN America, and represented by Wernick and Pratt Literary Agency. As a child, she loved reading books and making a mess creating pictures. She’s delighted to still be doing both. 

www.angeladominguezbooks.com

Virtual Play Date activities are designed for kids and their grownups to participate together. Workshops will be held on Zoom and will be live and interactive. Recommended ages are provided as a guide, but you know your child best! If you have questions about a particular workshop, don’t hesitate to reach us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.  

Captioning is available and slides for this workshop will be provided to everyone. Are there additional accommodations that would be useful to help you fully participate? (e.g. ASL, post-program transcript)? Let us know at accessibility@icaboston.org.

Self-Serve:

Downloadable Activity 

Illustration of shining moon and clouds with mindfulness tips

Mindful Rituals

Creating space for morning and nightly rituals can help us feel more centered. We can start the day with mindfulness and end the day with reflection. Let these sunlight and moonlight illustrations serve as a template to guide you each day with more intention and respite from our chaotic outside world. This month’s activity was designed by Boston artist Rayna Lo. Create your mindful ritual.

Reading List 

Dive into this custom reading list designed by our friends at the Boston Public Library and explore young artists, famous artists, and the rich world of artmaking with the family!

In-Person:

Free Admission for Families
Sat, Jul 31 | 10 AM – 5 PM – tickets required!

Reserve free museum tickets for families today

On Sat, Jul 31, museum admission is FREE for families when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under, with up to 2 adults per family. Timed tickets must be reserved online in advance. Please request your ticket at least 24 hours in advance so our team has time to process your order. Tickets requested day-of are not guaranteed. In-person and all on-site programming has currently been suspended. More details here

Explore the galleries with self-guided activities available on-site during Play Dates. Snack on kid-friendly food options available for purchase at the SunBar.

Music performance by Ideas, Not Theories

During Free Admission for Families on July 31, enjoy live music outside from 2:30 – 4 PM by unconventional percussion group Ideas, Not Theories by Reynaliz Herrera. Groove to their performance here!

Founded and directed by Reynaliz Herrera, Ideas, Not Theories is a theatrical percussion company featuring Herrera’s original music for bicycles and other unconventional instruments. For July Play Date, she will perform her work “Bicycle Orchestra.”

Activity Bags!

Icon of a blue activity bag with a clipboard and a pamphlet sticking out.

Free activity bags for kids will be available on-site with self-guided art activities that can be used in the lobby, in the galleries, or outside! Activity bag quantities are limited, and first come, first served. 

Check out our next Play Date in August
Learn more and register today!

Questions? Reach us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.

Your support helps keeps programs like this – both virtual and in-person – free and accessible in this time of uncertainty. If you are able, please consider becoming a member or making a one-time gift to support the ICA.


ICA Kids and Family programs are supported, in part, by Vivien and Alan Hassenfeld, the Hassenfeld Family Foundation, the Willow Tree Fund, and Raymond T. & Ann T. Mancini Family Foundation.

This event is created in partnership with the Boston Public Library.
 

An icon of a book with pages flipping on the left, and a wordmark of